General considerationsIn a polytrauma patient it takes too much time to reconstruct the ankle joint anatomically.
However, joint instability increases soft-tissue insult and should be eliminated. In patients with excessive swelling, or severe soft-tissue injuries early ORIF could cause further damage to the soft tissues.
With an external fixator, the joint can be reduced and provisionally stabilized in an adequate position, while awaiting decrease of swelling. Later anatomical reconstruction by ORIF becomes possible.